News in brief

Coachloads visit Hindu shrine in spare bedroom

A couple in their 60s who turned a spare bedroom into a Hindu temple say they have welcomed 50,000 people to their home over 30 years. Sushila and Dhirajlal Karia regularly receive coachloads at their detached house in Clacton, Essex. Inside, one of five bedrooms, 3m by 2m (10ft by 7ft) in size, has been made into a shrine with 17 marble statues of gods and goddesses, blessed by a priest invited over from India. Up to seven worshippers can fit in at one time, while others queue on the stairs. Mrs Karia says: "People are always welcome but we ask they phone to tell us they are coming." Press Association

Blair still most influential UK figure in business poll

Tony Blair is still considered the most influential man in the UK despite stepping down as prime minister almost a year ago, according to a poll. Blair came out top in a survey of 1,000 business leaders, receiving 20% of the vote, closely followed by Gordon Brown on 19%. David Cameron was in fifth place, with 5%, after Sir Richard Branson and Rupert Murdoch. The Queen was named the most influential woman in research conducted by the Leaders in London International Leadership Summit. Lady Thatcher was in second place and Harry Potter author JK Rowling came third. Rachel Williams

Video link appearance for couple over girl's death

The mother and stepfather of seven-year-old Khyra Ishaq appeared at Birmingham crown court via video link yesterday accused of causing or allowing her death earlier this month. Angela Gordon, 33, and Junaid Abuhamza, 29, both in prison on remand, spoke only to confirm their names during the 10-minute hearing. They were not required to enter a plea and no application was made for bail. A case management hearing will take place at the court in September. Gordon was speaking from Eastwood Park prison in Gloucestershire and Abuhamza from Blakenhurst prison in Worcestershire. Helen Carter

Man remanded after girl, 3, dies in mini-bike fall

A man charged with causing the death of a three-year-old girl who fell off the mini-moto bike he was riding was remanded in custody yesterday when he appeared at Boston magistrates court in Lincolnshire. George Franklin, 22, of Louth, is accused of causing death by dangerous driving. Abbie Perrin, the daughter of his partner, died after the bike collided with a pick-up truck pulling out of a driveway. Police said the bike was a 110cc Honda scrambler-type.The accident was at about 4pm on Monday. Police said the driver of the truck was unhurt. Franklin will appear at Lincoln crown court on June 4. Press Association

More Britons using Swiss suicide clinic

The number of Britons to have committed assisted suicide at a Swiss clinic has risen to 92, it was revealed yesterday. Figures showed Dignitas, based in Zurich, helped 17 Britons die last year and there have been eight so far this year. The organisation has 694 UK members - a significant fall from more than 800 in September 2006. Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and usually involves a terminally-ill patient drinking a barbiturate poison. The chief executive of pro-euthanasia charity Dignity in Dying, Sarah Wootton, said the increase meant that the law in the UK "isn't working". Press Association

Elton John sells off 1970s Steinway

The piano used by Sir Elton John and Kiki Dee to rehearse their hit duet Don't Go Breaking My Heart is to be auctioned at Bonhams in London next month. John used the 1971 Steinway grand to practise at his home in Windsor before the song became his first UK number 1. He said: "I haven't owned that many pianos in my life and particular pianos have special memories. It was a totally amazing time - the huge success in America, the touring, producing a new album at the rate of sometimes two a year. I had to pinch myself at times." The instrument is expected to fetch up to £45,000. Press Association

High security court draws gangs, says police chief

Gangs from Manchester and Liverpool are moving into Preston while their associates are in court for Category A trials involving guns and drugs, according to Steve Finnigan, chief constable of Lancashire. Cases were often transferred from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Merseyside because of the high security arrangements at Preston crown court, bringing with them criminals from these areas, particularly Manchester, who were effectively living in the city for weeks or months. Finnigan was speaking at the launch of a crackdown on organised crime and drug dealing in Lancashire. Helen Carter

Police arrest third man in restaurant bomb inquiry

Detectives investigating an explosion in an Exeter restaurant made a third arrest last night. Police said it was part of a "wide ranging and complex investigation" after the blast in the city's Giraffe restaurant last Thursday. A Muslim convert, Nicky Reilly, 22, who received serious facial injuries after the bomb partially detonated was arrested by Devon and Cornwall police, and another man was seized at gunpoint in Plymouth city centre last Friday. The third man to be held was arrested at 5.30pm yesterday. A residential address in Plymouth and the Muslim community centre were being searched. Alex Berry